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Collectible Investments

When we’re not busy arranging homeowner loans and helping our clients understand how to get a homeowner loan, working out the best deal and talking to lenders, we like to have fun. With this in mind, we decided to take a look at the world of collectible investments.

Read on below to see what we learned.

What are the best collectible investments for 2023?

There is no simple answer to this question, as the answer will depend on your preferences, approach to investing and attitude to risk.

That said, there are some popular options out there, the best of which are:

Stamps as a collectible investment

Stamps are a popular collectible item that has become increasingly popular as an investment opportunity. Stamp collecting is a hobby that has been around for centuries, with some of the world’s rarest and most valuable stamps fetching millions at auctions. Here are some pros and cons of investing in stamps:

 

Pros of Investing in Stamps:

  • Stamps reflect the history, culture, and art of different countries and periods, making them a fascinating collectible for many people. Collectors who are interested in history and culture will find investing in stamps to be particularly fulfilling.
  • Stamps are produced in limited quantities, which makes them rare and valuable. This is particularly true for older stamps that were produced before mass printing became common.
  • Stamps can serve as a diversification tool for investors looking to expand their portfolio beyond traditional asset classes. Unlike stocks, bonds, and real estate, the value of stamps is not directly linked to the broader economy or stock market.
  • Stamps can provide protection against inflation by retaining their value over time. The value of stamps tends to appreciate over time, making them a good investment option for those looking to preserve their wealth.

Cons of Investing in Stamps:

  • Stamps can be difficult to sell, and finding a buyer willing to pay the desired price may be challenging. This makes them an illiquid investment option, which can be problematic for those who need to sell their assets quickly.
  • Stamps are susceptible to forgery, which can diminish their value. The risk of forgery is particularly high for older and rare stamps, making it essential to have an expert authenticate any stamp before buying it.
  • Stamp collecting is a niche market, and demand for stamps can be unpredictable. The market for stamps is relatively small, and prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand.
  • The condition and authenticity of stamps can significantly impact their value. Stamps that are damaged or altered in any way can be worth significantly less than those that are in pristine condition.

Toys as a collectible investment

Toys have always been a popular collectible item, and some vintage toys have become valuable investments in recent years (Beanie Babies anyone?) Investing in toys can be a genuinely fun and rewarding experience while still offering the potential for strong profits. Here are the key pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Investing in Toys:

  • Many people collect toys for the nostalgia factor. Investing in toys from their childhood or from a particular era can be a fulfilling experience for collectors.
  • Like stamps, vintage toys can be rare and valuable, particularly if they are in good condition and are in demand by collectors.
  • Toys can serve as a diversification tool for investors looking to expand their portfolio beyond traditional asset classes. Investing in collectible toys can provide a unique opportunity to diversify one’s investments.
  • Certain toys, such as action figures and dolls, have a broad and dedicated fan base, which can lead to high demand and increasing value over time.

Cons of Investing in Toys:

  • The condition of a toy is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Toys that are in good condition and still in their original packaging are worth more than those that have been opened or played with.
  • The market for collectible toys can be unpredictable, and demand for certain toys can fluctuate over time. Collectors may find it challenging to sell their toys at a desirable price if demand for a particular toy has diminished.
  • Toys can be difficult to sell, particularly if they are rare or in high demand. The internet has made this easier for most items, although very high value items may be illiquid or suffer a lot of price volatility where a quick sale is needed.
  • As with stamps, there is a risk of forgery with collectible toys. It is essential to have an expert authenticate any toy before purchasing it to ensure its authenticity.

Rare coins as a collectible investment

Rare coins have been a popular investment option for centuries, and they continue to attract investors and collectors from all over the world. There’s just something about holding a piece of history in your hands that makes coin collecting so exciting to so many people. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in rare coins:

Pros of Investing in Rare Coins:

Rare coins have a rich history and can be viewed as miniature works of art that reflect the culture, politics, and economic conditions of their time. As a collector, you get to hold a piece of history in your hands, which tends to give them a broad appeal.

The value of rare coins is typically determined by their rarity. The fewer coins of a particular type that exist, the more valuable they become.

Rare coins can act as a hedge against inflation, particularly if they are made of precious metals like gold or silver. The value of rare coins tends to appreciate over time, making them a great long-term investment, although they obviously can’t be relied upon to never drop in price.

Unlike other types of investments, rare coins can be easily converted into cash. In some cases, rare coins can be sold quickly and for a premium.

Cons of Investing in Rare Coins:

  • It’s important to authenticate any coin before purchasing it to ensure that it is genuine.
  • The condition of a rare coin can have a significant impact on its value. Coins that are in poor condition or that have been cleaned or damaged in any way can be worth a lot less than those in top condition.
  • The market for rare coins is relatively small, and prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand. It may be difficult to find a buyer for rare coins at a desirable price.
  • The value of rare coins can be volatile, particularly when the wider economy is struggling. Investors should be prepared to hold onto their coins for the long term and ride out any fluctuations in the market.

Fine art as a collectible investment

Fine art has been a popular investment option for centuries, and for good reason! Collecting art is a way to surround yourself with beautiful pieces that hold significant value, meaning you can really enjoy your investment while holding it. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in fine art:

Pros of Investing in Fine Art:

  • Fine art is a visual feast for the eyes. As a collector, you get to surround yourself with pieces that inspire, provoke thought, and stimulate the senses.
  • Just like rare coins or stamps, fine art pieces are often unique or limited in number. Owning a rare and valuable piece of art can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio.
  • Fine art can reflect the history and culture of the time in which it was created. As a collector, you get to own a piece of that history and cultural significance.
  • Fine art has the potential to increase in value over time. If you invest wisely and choose the right pieces, you could make a substantial profit from your art collection.

Cons of Investing in Fine Art:

  • Investing in fine art is a high-risk investment, and not all pieces will increase in value over time. The art market is often unpredictable, and even experienced collectors can make mistakes.
  • The art market is relatively illiquid, which means that it can be difficult to sell your art collection quickly if you need to raise cash, especially for expensive pieces.
  • Fine art pieces require proper maintenance and care. This can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly if you own several pieces.
  • The value of art is often subjective and can vary greatly depending on the buyer. What one person considers to be a valuable piece of art may not be valued as highly by another.

Fine wine as a collectible investment

Ah, fine wine – the nectar of the gods! Drinking it is an experience in itself, but investing in fine wine can be equally rewarding. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in fine wine:

Pros of Investing in Fine Wine:

  • First and foremost, fine wine is delicious! As a collector, you get to sample some of the best wines in the world and even develop your own taste and preferences. Just make sure not to drink your own collection!
  • The best fine wines are often produced in limited quantities, making them a rare and valuable investment.
  • Fine wine has the potential to significantly increase in value over time. If you invest wisely and choose the right bottles, you could make a substantial profit from your wine collection.
  • Fine wine is meant to be enjoyed with good company and good food. As a collector, you get to share your passion for wine with others and make new friends along the way.

Cons of Investing in Fine Wine:

Fine wine requires proper storage to maintain its value. This means investing in a temperature-controlled wine cellar or renting space in a professional wine storage facility. This will mean there’s an ongoing cost to holding it.

The market for fine wine is relatively small, and prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand. It may be difficult to find a buyer for your wine collection at a desirable price.

Wine is a delicate product and can spoil if not stored properly. Spoiled wine can be worth significantly less than a well-preserved bottle, so this really adds an element of risk for the uninitiated.

The world of fine wine can be intimidating, with many different types and regions to navigate. It can take time and effort to develop the knowledge and expertise needed to make informed investment decisions.

Watches as a collectible investment

Watches are not just a timekeeping device – they can also be a valuable investment! Forget your smartwatches, this is all about classic elegance! Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in watches:

Pros of Investing in Watches:

  • Fine watches are often crafted with exceptional attention to detail and use high-quality materials, making them works of art in their own right.
  • Many luxury watch brands produce limited edition pieces or unique designs, making them highly sought after and extremely valuable.
  • Watches can increase in value significantly over time, particularly if you invest in sought-after brands or vintage pieces.
  • Watches are a fashion accessory that can elevate any outfit. As a collector, you can curate a collection of watches that reflects your personal style and taste, enjoying them while you hold them.

Cons of Investing in Watches:

  • Watches require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
  • The watch market is notorious for counterfeit pieces, which can be difficult to spot and can significantly decrease the value of your collection.
  • The value of watches can fluctuate based on supply and demand, market trends, and the overall economy.
  • The value of watches is often subjective, and what one collector considers a valuable piece may not be valued as highly by another.
  • Fashions can change and previously valuable pieces can become less desirable.

Collectible investment best practices

The following are some suggestions for selecting collectible investments:

  • Before making an investment in any collectible, take the time to study as much as you can about the market, the item’s value and rarity, and the collectible in question.
  • Choose high-quality goods: Buy high-quality items that are in good condition, as they have a tendency to hold their value longer.
  • Think about diversifying your collection by purchasing various pieces, like coins, stamps, wine, paintings, and timepieces. This can reduce risk and raise the likelihood of a successful return.
  • Collectibles are not a get-rich-quick scam, so invest for the long term. Invest in long-term projects as these kinds of items can fluctuate in the short-term.

Check out our infographic below or find out more about The Royal Economy.

Collectible investments

Successful Collectible Investments

In recent years, the childhood toy market has seen some major successes, with large collections and rare Matchbox Cars going for serious amounts of money. These compete with Star Wars figurines, the popularity of which continues to grow with the recent reboot of the film series. The music industry has also seen some major money-earners, with memorabilia and vinyl first editions fetching decent prices against their original outlay.

New to the market are vintage electronics such as the original Game Boy, but given the relative short lifespan of modern day machines it’ll be interesting to see if this specific area of the market has any future potential.

Gold remains ever popular, with coins and jewellery keeping value and bars being seen by many as a safe side-investment.

Failures

Wine success stories are everywhere, but it’s usually only at the top end of the market where monetary dreams can be made. At this level, investors tend to be professional in their knowledge of what wines to buy and where to sell them – the market requires real expertise alongside financial wealth. More casual investors are too often left with crates of ancient vino that the modern market has lost interest in.

Other failures highlight the difficulty in predicting future successes. Figurines such as those created in Germany by Hummel were looked upon by many as heirlooms in the making, but the manufacturers made their pieces in such bulk as to destroy any future sellers’ market.

Mass production has also dampened products that in older years have been successful – original film memorabilia from the 1920s and ‘30s has often made a profit, but get to the 1970s and beyond and the word ‘rarity’ is virtually non-existent.

Is it worth putting money into collectible investments?

Looking at the investment market as a whole, there are better guarantees elsewhere that are likely to keep your money safer, even if they don’t bring the kind of financial successes you had in mind. Looking at a specific example such as Star Wars memorabilia, it would have been impossible in 1977 to predict the success that followed, meaning much is left to chance.

Perhaps it’s best to look upon the collectible investments’ market as a game in itself. Given its unpredictability, buy for pleasure instead of buying with future profit in mind, enjoy your purchase, and if chance is on your side, those products resigned to the attic may just return to put a smile on your face.

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